Additionally, Eurogamer has confirmed that PSN is scheduled to go live at 1AM (GMT) and Kazuo Hirai has posted an official PlayStation Network restoration announcement video (below).

To quote: We have been working on a new PS3 system software update that requires all PSN users to change their password once PlayStation Network is restored. The update (v3.61) is mandatory and is available now.

If using a PS3, your password can only be changed on your own PS3 (or a PS3 on which your PSN account was activated), as an added layer of security. If you have never downloaded any content using your account on the system, an email will be sent to the registered sign-in ID (email address) associated with your account when you first attempt to sign-in to PSN.

This e-mail will contain a link that will enable you to change your password. In this email, click on the link and follow the instructions to change your password. Once you have changed your password you can sign-in to your account using your new password.

We strongly recommend that all PSN account holders with PS3s update their systems to prepare for when PlayStation Network is back online. The release of this update is a critical step as we work to make PlayStation Network significantly more secure. Thank you for your continued support and patience.

Several users are now reporting that PSN service has resumed in the Northeast US meaning it won't be long before it reaches other parts of the globe... PlayStation Network is finally back!

To quote: Thank you for your patience and encouragement over the last few weeks. As covered in the post from earlier today, you can now update the firmware on your PS3 and change your password. Kazuo Hirai just announced that we have begun the phased restoration by region of some of the services, starting with online multiplayer functionality.

Please note that these services will take a bit of time to be turned on and rolled out to the whole country. The process has begun and some states are being turned on now, so please be patient as we reach your city and state. We’ll be updating the map below as service comes online in individual states.

It will take several hours to restore PSN throughout the entire country, so please keep checking back for the latest updates. In the meantime, now’s a great time to get your PS3’s firmware updated and change your password, both of which are required to get online.

Notice: If your state is illuminated but your service has not yet been restored, please be patient - it can take a little while for the servers to populate fully.

now given the last few major updates have suffered from the HDD upgrade bug that essentially breaks your console if you try to upgrade the HDD, why on earth are people still doing zero-day updates that have NO benefits? it's not like you can get on PSN anyway lol